J.M. Hochstetler grew up in central Indiana, the daughter of Mennonite farmers. She graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Germanic languages and was an editor with Abingdon Press for twelve years. She has published three novels: One Holy Night, a retelling of Jesus’ birth in a modern-day setting that released in April 2008; and Daughter of Liberty and Native Son, books 1 and 2 of the American Patriot Series, which are set during the American Revolution. Book 3, Wind of the Spirit, is scheduled for release in March 2009.

In 2006 Joan felt a strong calling from the Lord to found her own small press, Sheaf House Publishers, to publish outstanding inspirational fiction. The doors quickly began to open, and in April 2008 Sheaf House released its first book, One Holy Night, well ahead of the schedule Joan originally envisioned. Books by two new authors followed in September and October respectively—It’s Not About Me, a young adult romance by Michelle Sutton, and The Case of the Bouncing Grandma,a cozy mystery by A. K. Arenz. Joan sees Sheaf House as a Spirit-anointed ministry to readers, both believers and seekers, and the Lord is powerfully blessing her efforts. New projects are scheduled into 2010, including Joan’s own Wind of the Spirit, and My Son, John by multi-published Christian author Kathi Macias, which releases in April 2009.

Married to a retired United Methodist pastor, Joan is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Christian Authors Network, Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, and Historical Novels Society. She and her husband divide their time between their home near Nashville, Tennessee, and their winter home in Perry, Georgia. They are members of Grace Church in Perry.

Daughter of Liberty, book 1, American Patriot Series

As the first blood of the Revolution is spilled, a beautiful rebel spy and a jaded British officer fight their own private battles of faith—and a forbidden love.

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Native Son, book 2, American Patriot Series

Caught between two worlds at war, he could lose everything — his country, his faith, and the woman who holds his heart captive.

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Wind of the Spirit, book 3, American Patriot Series
As the patriot cause falters, can her love bridge the miles that separate them—and the savage bonds that threaten to tear him forever from her arms?

Coming March 2009
American Patriot Series Blog

One Holy Night

What God has in mind this bleak Christmas is a miracle. As on that holy night so long ago … in a world torn by sin and strife … to a family that has suffered heart-wrenching loss …will be born a baby …

One Holy Night Blog

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